Vancouver Canucks

Canucks’ Boudreau Predicted To Be NHL’s First 2022 Coaching Casualty

It is being predicted that Bruce Boudreau might be the first coach on the hot seat in the NHL this season. Will he last all year?

by
NHL Trade Talk
October 5, 2022

Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff listed his 32 bold predictions for the season and among them was a prediction that Vancouver Canucks head coach Bruce Boudreau will be the first coaching casualty of the season. Already off to a rocky start this preseason and with some trepidation that he might be the guy long-term in Vancouver, insiders like Seravalli are wondering if Boudeau’s leash isn’t all that long.

Seravalli writes, “Still can’t shake the apparent friction that existed between Boudreau and the front office last spring when he asked for and did not receive an extension. The Canucks’ stars haven’t impressed in the preseason and that might mean a slow start.”

"We need to play faster…"

Bruce Boudreau on what he wants to see from the #Canucks in their final preseason games: https://t.co/1z22gtHGWk #TSNHockey pic.twitter.com/1a4pMYRZew
— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) October 5, 2022

It certainly could be argued that, out of the gate, Boudreau has the most riding on a good start this season. While the Philadelphia Flyers want to get out of the gate hot, they certainly won’t be firing John Tortorella unless something drastic happens. Boudreau is the guy who has to prove his run with the Canucks where they fought back and almost made the postseason wasn’t a fluke. And, if he doesn’t get the job done, it could be his last as an NHL head coach.

The Canucks are in tough trying to keep pace in a Pacific Division that has a restocked Calgary Flames cupboard and a very skilled and fast Edmonton Oilers squad. The Vegas Golden Knights should be strong, even if there are questions in goal and the Los Angeles Kings proved last season they’re better than many expected. The Canucks leaders, specifically Boudreau, need to get everyone on this roster on the same page and producing early.

There will be plenty of chatter about coaches on the hot seat as the season rolls along. There are always a few bench bosses who move on. Is Boudreau going to be the first to go? If he doesn’t have the full confidence of the organization, it won’t take much to have them looking at alternatives.

Next: NHL Trade Talk Podcast – Ep. 13 – Our 2022-23 Fantasy Team Draft